Lighting systems and devices with central silicone module

ABSTRACT

Lighting systems that include an LED and a silicone module designed to contain a lens are described herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of commonly-owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/400,854 filed on May 1, 2019 and titled“Lighting Devices with Central Silicone Module”, which claims priorityto each of commonly-owned U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/665,197, titled “Lighting Devices with Central Silicone Module” filedon May 1, 2018 and commonly-owned U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/681,490, titled “Lighting Devices with Central Silicone Module” filedon Jun. 6, 2018. The entirety of each one of the three foregoingcommonly-owned patent applications is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD

The invention relates generally to lighting and, more particularly, tolighting systems (e.g., strip lighting systems) that include an LED anda central silicone module (CSM) designed to contain a lens that receiveslight emitted by the LED.

BACKGROUND

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are typically formed from a semiconductormaterial that is doped to create a p-n junction. The LEDs typically emitlight in a narrow spectrum (e.g., a spectrum that is smaller 100nanometers in size) that is dependent upon the bandgap energy of thesemiconductor material that forms the p-n junction.

In some application, lighting systems may include one or more opticalcomponent that receives light emitted from an LED. For example, a lensis a type of optical component that may be used to receive light emittedfrom an LED and adjust one or more characteristics of the light.

SUMMARY

Lighting systems that include an LED and a central silicone module (CSM)designed to contain a lens are described herein.

In one aspect, a lighting system is provided. The system comprises acircuit board and a light emitting diode (LED) mounted to one side ofthe circuit board and configured to emit light. The system furthercomprises a lens disposed over the LED and having a bottom surfacefacing the one side of the circuit board. The lens has a top surfaceopposite the bottom surface and a lateral surface between the top andbottom surfaces. The lighting system further comprises a centralsilicone module (CSM) constructed, at least in part, from silicone anddisposed on the one side of the circuit board. The CSM is configured toreceive the lens and hold the lens over the LED without being in contactwith at least part of the lateral surface of the lens so as to form agap.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises an elastomerencapsulating, at least in part, the circuit board and the CSM.

In some embodiments, the central silicon module comprises a reflectivesilicone. For example, the reflective silicone may have a reflectance ofat least 95% for visible light. In some cases, the reflective siliconemay have a reflectance of at least 95% for light having a wavelength of5 mils. In some embodiments, the silicone has a material reflectivity ofat least 90% and, in some cases, at least 95%.

In some embodiments, the silicone comprises titanium oxide (TiO₂)particles. For example, a concentration of TiO2 particles in thesilicone is between 3% and 10%.

In some embodiments, the CSM comprises a base in contact with the oneside of the circuit board and at least one guiding hall attached to thebase and configured to hold the lens above the LED.

In some embodiments, the CSM is a monolithic element.

In some embodiments, the lighting system further comprises a trayconfigured to receive the circuit board and wherein the elastomer is incontact with at least part of the tray.

In some embodiments, the lens is constructed, at least in part, fromsilicone.

In some embodiments, the CSM is in contact with a first portion of thelateral surface of the lens and not in contact with a second portion ofthe lateral surface of the lens. The first portion of the lateralsurface of the lens is closer to the circuit board than the secondportion of the lateral surface of the lens.

In some embodiments, the lighting system further comprises a reflectordisposed in the gap and in contact with the CSM.

In some embodiments, the gap is an air gap.

In some embodiments, an optical efficiency of the lighting system is atleast 88% and wherein the optical efficiency of the lighting system is aratio between a light output of the LED alone relative to a light outputby the entire lighting system under a same power and temperaturecondition. In some cases, the optical efficiency is at least 92%.

In some embodiments, the lighting system is a strip lighting system.

In some embodiments, the CSM includes a cup configured to receive thelens.

In some embodiments, the CSM includes a series of cups configured torespectively receive a series of lenses.

In some embodiments, the lighting system further comprising pottingmaterial.

In some embodiments, the CSM, the lens, the reflector, and the pottingmaterial provide a continuous combination of material. In someembodiments, the CSM, the lens, the reflector, and the potting materialall comprise silicone.

Other aspects, embodiments and features will become apparent from thefollowing non-limiting detailed description when considered inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are schematic andwhich are not intended to be drawn to scale. In the figures, eachidentical or nearly identical component that is illustrated in variousfigures typically is represented by a single numeral. For purposes ofclarity, not every component is labeled in every figure, nor is everycomponent of each embodiment shown where illustration is not necessaryto allow those of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention.In cases where the present specification and a document incorporated byreference include conflicting disclosure, the present specificationshall control.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a lighting system including acentral silicone module (CSM) according to some embodiments of thetechnology described herein.

FIGS. 2A-2C show respective top views of different CSMs according tosome embodiments of the technology described herein.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a CSM according to some embodimentsof the technology described herein.

FIG. 4 shows a magnified view of a portion of the CSM of FIG. 3according to some embodiments of the technology described herein.

FIG. 5 shows an image of the samples during testing as described inExample 1.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a strip lighting system according to someembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Lighting systems that include an LED and a central silicone module (CSM)designed to contain a lens are described herein. The lens can beconfigured to receive light emitted from the LED and adjust one or morecharacteristics of the light. As described further below, the CSM may bedesigned to provide high lighting reflectance and a robust structure. Insome embodiments, the CSM is designed to contain a series of lenses thatare positioned above a series of LEDs. In such embodiments, the lightingsystem may be implemented as a strip lighting system having a length(e.g., approximately six inches), a width that is less than the length(e.g., approximately one inch), and a height that is less than the width(e.g., approximately half an inch). In some embodiments, the striplighting system comprises a plurality of LEDs as well as correspondinglenses that are spaced along the length of the strip lighting systems(e.g., the LEDs may be spaced apart by approximately one inch). Striplighting systems may have a construction similar to those described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 9,976,710 and 10,132,476 both of which are incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of lighting system 100.As shown, the system includes an LED 101 that is positioned on a circuitboard 102. Though FIG. 1 shows only a single LED, it should beunderstood that in systems that include a series of LEDs andcorresponding lenses (e.g., strip lighting systems), the structure shownin the cross-section of FIG. 1 may be similar or the same surroundingeach LED in the series (e.g., along the strip). FIG. 6 shows an exampleof a strip lighting system 600 according to some embodiments.

The system includes a central silicone module (CSM) 104 that is mountedon the circuit board in an area outside the periphery of the LED. In theillustrative embodiment, the system includes an optional base 106 forfacilitating mounting the CSM in a proper location relative to thecircuit board and LED. For example, the CSM and/or base may includealignment features that ensure proper positioning of the CSM relative tothe circuit board and the LED. In other embodiments, the system does notinclude a separate base and the CSM may include, or be associated with,alignment features (e.g., bumps, pins, etc.) that may be positionedwithin corresponding features (e.g., guiding halls) on the circuit boardto correctly position the CSM relative to the circuit board and the LED.

A lens 108 for receiving light emitted from the LED is positioned withinthe CSM such that a surface of the lens is in contact with a surface ofthe CSM. For example, as shown, a lower portion of a lateral surface 112of the lens may be in contact with a lower portion of a wall 116 of theCSM. In the illustrative embodiment and as described further below, anupper portion of the wall of the CSM is not in contact with an upperportion of the lateral surface of the lens so that a gap 121 is formedbetween the CSM and the lens. A reflector 122 may be positioned withinthe gap. As shown, the reflector 122 is not in contact with the lens tomaintain space (i.e., air) between the reflector and the lens. In thesystem shown in FIG. 1, the reflector is on the wall of the CSM. Someembodiments do not include a separate reflector and rely on the CSMsurface for reflecting light (e.g., back into the lens).

As shown, the lighting system comprises a tray 124 with a channel 126into which the circuit board may be inserted. Once the circuit board hasbeen inserted into the tray and the CSM is mounted on the circuit board,potting material 128 may be added to fill the remaining space betweenthe tray and CSM. In such embodiments, the potting material may becontact with the circuit board, the tray, and/or the CSM.

In some embodiments, an optional cover 130 is provided on top of thelens(es). The cover may prevent contaminants (e.g., water, debris) fromeffecting performance of the lens and system. It should be understoodthat not all embodiments include a lens cover.

It should be appreciated that the embodiments described herein may beimplemented in any of numerous ways. Examples of specificimplementations are provided herein for illustrative purposes only. Itshould be appreciated that these embodiments and thefeatures/capabilities provided may be used individually, all together,or in any combination of two or more, as aspects of the technologydescribed herein are not limited in this respect.

As described above, the lighting systems include a Central SiliconeModule (CSM). In general, the CSM is configured to contain the lens(es)that are used in the system. The CSM may be constructed to have a shapeappropriate to contain the type(s) of lens(es) of the system. Forexample, when assembled, the lens(es) may be attached to the CSM usingan adhesive (e.g., silicone adhesive).

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a CSM 200 that may be used in a striplighting system and FIG. 4 shows a magnified view of a portion of theCSM shown in FIG. 3. In the illustrative embodiment, the CSM includes aseries of cups 202 (also may be referred to as “halls)” that are shapedto contain corresponding lens. As shown, the CSM includes seven cups. Itshould be understood that other embodiments may include a differentnumbers of cups. In this embodiment, each cup has a similar shape tocontain the same type of lens. In other embodiments, the CSM may havecups of different shapes, for example, when different types of lensesare used in the same system. For example, FIGS. 2A-2C are images of CSMsthat have different types of cups.

It should be understood that the CSM may have a different configurationif used in a different lighting system. For example, if the lightingsystem is not a strip lighting system and, for instance, includes asingle lens then the CSM may have a single cup.

In general, the cup(s) may have any suitable design as needed fordifferent types of lenses. As shown, the cups can have an aperture thatmay extend from a top surface of the cup to a bottom of the cup (i.e.,the cup surface closest to the circuit board when assembled). Theaperture is defined by sidewalls of the cup. In some cases, as describedfurther below, the cup sidewalls are angled (e.g., outwardly taperedfrom the bottom surface to the top surface). In other embodiments, thecup sidewalls may be straight. In some embodiments, the cup sidewallsmay include both an angled section and a straight section whenprogressing from the bottom surface to the top surface. In someembodiments, and as shown in FIG. 1, the cup sidewall includes a lateralsection which extends substantially planar to the circuit board. Thelateral section may be between two angled sections, as shown.

As noted above, the cups are designed to contain lens(es). The shape ofthe lens used can determine the shape of the cup. In some embodiments,the cups may have one design for a narrow lens which is different thanthe design for an oval lens which is different than the design for anassymetric lens. The cup may have a cross-section parallel to the planeof the circuit board which is circular, oval, rectangular, square orotherwise shaped.

In some embodiments, the cup(s) are designed such that only a portion ofthe lateral lens surface is in contact with walls of the cup. In suchembodiments, other portions of the lateral lens surface may be separatedfrom the walls of the cup by a gap. For example, as described above andshown in FIG. 1, a lower portion of lateral surface 112 of the lens isin contact with a lower portion of wall 116 of the CSM (e.g., up to 3 mmin vertical distance from bottom of lens surface), while upper portionof the CSM wall is not in contact with upper portion of the lateralsurface of the lens so that gap 122 (e.g., air gap) is formed betweenthe CSM and the lens. The gap may promote total internal reflection(TIR), while the contact between the CSM and the lens may promotediffusive reflectivity. In such embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3, thecross-sectional area of the cup aperture may be smaller at the bottom ofthe cup and larger at the top of the cup.

The CSM may include one or more apertures 204. For example, theapertures may be formed adjacent some (or every) of the cups. Theapertures may be provided to enable access (e.g., visual access and/orphysical access) to a component (e.g., the circuit board) that underliesthe CSM. In general, the aperture(s) may have any suitableconfiguration. It should be understood that not all embodiments utilizeapertures in the CSM.

As described above, the CSM comprises a silicone material. In someembodiments, the CSM is formed primarily (e.g., greater than 50% byweight, greater than 70% by weight, greater than 90% by weight) oressentially entirely of silicone. In some embodiments, the CSM mayconsist essentially of a silicone material. In some embodiments,additives (e.g., particles) may be added to the silicone material of theCSM to impart desirable properties (e.g., reflectivity). For example,titanium dioxide (TiO₂) may be added to the silicone material. In someembodiments between 3-10 weight percent titanium dioxide may be added.

In some embodiments, the silicone may be highly reflective. In some suchembodiments, the silicone may have a white reflective color (e.g., whitesilicone). Suitable silicones include CI-2001 (Dow Corning) and MS-2002(Dow Corning). In some embodiments, the reflective silicone may have areflectance of at least 93% for light in the visible region. In somecases, the reflective silicone may have a reflectance of at least 95%for light in the visible region. In some embodiments, the silicone has amaterial reflectivity of at least 90% and, in some cases, at least 95%.

In some embodiments, the CSM may include alignment features (e.g.,bumps, pins, protrusions, etc.) that may be formed on a bottom surfaceof the CSM (i.e., surface closest to the circuit board when the systemis assembled). The alignment features may be positioned withincorresponding features (e.g., guiding halls) on the circuit board orbase (when present) to correctly position the CSM relative to thecircuit board and LED.

It is optional to have a portion of the CSM made from light absorbingmaterial (e.g., black Silicone, which has a very low reflectivity <50%or <30%) to eliminate the unwanted stray light which may be scatteredout at unwanted direction.

In some embodiments, the CSM may be made form a combination of highreflective material and low reflective material. For example, the CSMmay comprise high reflective silicon at the section of the CSM which isin contact with the lens (e.g., up to 3 mm) and the CSM may comprise lowreflective silicone (e.g., black silicone) at the section of the CSMwhich is not in contact with the lens (e.g., above 3 mm for example).

In general, LED 101 may have any suitable design. For example, the LEDmay be a semiconductor device that is configured to emit light. Thelight emitted from the LED may have an angular CCT deviation such as aphosphor converted LED. The LED is mounted to a circuit board asdescribed further below.

In general, circuit board 102 may have any suitable design andconfiguration. The circuit board may be, for example, a flexible printedcircuit board (PCB) (e.g., an FR4 PCB) to allow the lighting system tobend without breaking. Various electrical components as needed for theoperation of the lighting system may be mounted on the circuit board.

As described above, the system may (or may not) include base 106 forfacilitating mounting the CSM on the circuit board. In some embodiments,the base comprises one or more features (e.g., lip) that engages withfeature(s) on the CSM such that the CSM is held in place by the base. Insome embodiments, the base includes (and/or is associated with) one ormore additional features (e.g., tabs) to facilitate mounting the base ona circuit board. For example, the features may be affixed to the circuitboard using through holes in the circuit board.

In general, lens 108 may have any suitable design. The lens may be, forexample, a monolithic lens constructed from any of a variety ofmaterials such as silicone, glass, and/or a plastic (e.g., acrylic orpolycarbonate). The lens may omit scattering particles and/or phosphors.The lens may be a narrow-shaped lens, an oval-shaped lens, arectangular-shaped lens, an asymmetric-shaped lens, amongst othershapes. Suitable lenses have been described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,132,476which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The lens comprises a cavity 131 that is configured to receive the LEDand provide a gap (e.g., an air gap) between the LED and the lens. Insome embodiments, it is important that the cavity is sealed so as tomaintain the gap and prevent any material (e.g., potting material) fromcontacting the LED surface.

The lens may be configured to receive light from the LED and reduce theangular CCT deviation of the received light. For example, the lens maymix the light received from the LED to make the color temperature moreuniform and collimate the mixed light to form a beam. The lens mayreceive light from the LED through a bottom surface and emit lightthrough a lateral surface of the lens. As described further below, lightemitted through a lateral surface of the lens may be reflected by thereflector back into the lens. Then, the light in the lens may be emittedthrough the top surface of the lens.

In general, the reflector (when present) may have any suitable design.The reflector may be configured to reflect light that leaves a lateralsurface of the lens back into the lateral surface of the lens. Forexample, the reflector may comprise a reflective surface that faces thelens and reflects light that leaves a lateral surface of the lens backinto the lens. Thereby, the light in the lens may be emitted through thetop surface of the lens. The reflective surface may be configured toprovide diffuse and/or specular reflection. The reflector may be, forexample, a monolithic reflector constructed from a plastic (e.g.,acrylic or polycarbonate) coated in a material such as a paint or ametal to achieve the desired reflection (e.g., diffuse and/or specularreflection). In some embodiments, the reflector may be a reflectivecoating on the CSM.

It should be understood that not all embodiments include a separatereflector. In such embodiments, the system may rely on the CSM, itself,for reflecting light (e.g., back into the lens).

As described above, gap 122 may be provided between the lateral surfaceof the lens and a reflective surface of the reflector (and/or CSM). Thegap may be left unfilled to form an air gap which may be preferred incertain embodiments. Alternatively, the gap may be filled with amaterial, for example, to keep debris from entering the gap. In someembodiments, the material employed to fill the gap may have a refractiveindex that is lower than or similar to the refractive index of the lensto operate similarly to an air gap.

In some embodiments, an optional cover 130 is provided on top of thelens(es). The cover may prevent contaminants (e.g., water, debris) fromeffecting performance of the lens and system. In some embodiments, thesurface of the cover may be separated from the lens surface by a gap. Insome embodiments, the cover has a planar surface which does not deflectthe light beam emitted from the lens. For example, the planar lenssurface may match the lens outer boundaries but may be separated fromthe lens by a gap.

In some embodiments, the cover may be placed over the lens(es) and theCSM, or only over the lens(es). In some embodiments that includemultiple lenses (e.g., strip lighting systems) a single cover may covermultiple lenses; in other such embodiments, each lens may have anindividual cover. The cover may be shaped to fit a top surface of thelens. The cover may be attached to the cup and/or CSM using an adhesive(e.g., clear silicone adhesive). In some cases, the cover may beattached using potting material that is otherwise used in the system.

It should be understood that not all embodiments include a cover. Asdescribed above, the lighting system comprises tray 124 which includeschannel 126 into which the circuit board may be inserted. In general,the tray may have any suitable design and construction. In someembodiments, the tray may be constructed from an elastomer such assilicone. Thereby, the circuit board may be at least partiallyencapsulated with an elastomer. In some embodiments, the tray, CSM andpotting material may all be constructed from silicone

As shown, the tray includes sidewalls and a bottom surface which definethe sidewalls and bottom surface of the lighting system. It should beunderstood that other embodiments may have tray configurations and otherembodiments may not include a tray.

In general, any suitable pottering material 128 may be used in thelighting system. In some embodiments, the potting material may comprisean elastomer such as silicone. The elastomer (e.g., silicone) may betransparent so that printing or other information on the circuit boardmay be readily viewed.

In general, any suitable technique may be used to manufacture thelighting systems and components described herein. In some embodiments,the CSM is made by a (silicone) injection molding process. In someembodiments, the lens is made by a (silicone) molding process. In someembodiments, the tray is made using a (silicone) extrusion process. Insome embodiments, the cover is made from a (silicone) injection moldingprocess.

In some embodiments, component tolerances may be important to optimizeperformance (e.g., optical efficiency, beam shape, consistency of eachbeam divergence and illumination uniformity (intensity and color) of thelighting system.

The following Example is intended to be an illustrative embodiment andis not intended to be limiting.

EXAMPLE

Strip lighting system samples including an LED were produced andevaluated to assess some of the features of the technology describedherein.

Sample 1 included a lens (narrow lens) positioned above the LED but didnot include a CSM.

Sample 2 included a CSM (made of white reflective silicone) and a lens(narrow lens) with no separation between the CSM and the lens.

Sample 3 included a CSM (made of white reflective silicone) and a lens(narrow lens) with the CSM contacting the lens for a vertical height of3 mm and the CSM being separated from the lens above the height of 3 mmto provide an air gap (similar to structure shown in FIG. 1). The sampleincluded a separate white reflector.

Sample 4 included a CSM and a lens (narrow lens) with the CSM contactingthe lens for a vertical height of 3 mm and the CSM being separated fromthe lens above the height of 3 mm to provide an air gap (similar tostructure shown in FIG. 1). The sample included a separate whitereflector with an Al coating.

Each sample included a similar LED, lens and other conventionalcomponents.

The following table summarizes the results obtained. Samples 3 and 4 hadexcellent performance including efficiency.

Flux(lm) Eff.(lm/W) x y Tc(K) Ra R9 1 190.8 77.5 0.4465 0.4154 2935 83.510 2 216.1 87.8 0.4474 0.4158 2925 83.6 10 3 226.4 92.2 0.4457 0.41432939 83.6 10 4 222.6 90.1 0.4450 0.4130 2940 83.7 11

FIG. 6 shows an image of the samples during testing. From the image itis clear that Sample 2 does not provide any TIR which results inrelatively low efficiency.

Various aspects of the present disclosure may be used alone, incombination, or in a variety of arrangements not specifically discussedin the embodiments described in the foregoing and is therefore notlimited in its application to the details and arrangement of componentsset forth in the foregoing description or illustrated in the drawings.For example, aspects described in one embodiment may be combined in anymanner with aspects described in other embodiments.

Use of ordinal terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., in theclaims to modify a claim element does not by itself connote anypriority, precedence, or order of one claim element over another or thetemporal order in which acts of a method are performed, but are usedmerely as labels to distinguish one claim element having a certain namefrom another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinalterm) to distinguish the claim elements.

The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may be used tomean within ±20% of a target value in some embodiments, within ±10% of atarget value in some embodiments, within ±5% of a target value in someembodiments, and yet within ±2% of a target value in some embodiments.The terms “approximately,” “about,” and “substantially” may include thetarget value.

Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescription and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of“including,” “comprising,” or “having,” “containing,” “involving,” andvariations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

Having described above several aspects of at least one embodiment, it isto be appreciated various alterations, modifications, and improvementswill readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,modifications, and improvements are intended to be object of thisdisclosure. Accordingly, the foregoing description and drawings are byway of example only.

1. A lighting system comprising: a circuit board; a lens assemblyincluding a lens having a light output surface being spaced apart alonga central axis from a light input surface, the lens further having alateral surface being spaced apart around the central axis and having afrusto-conical body spanning a distance between the light input andoutput surfaces of the lens, the lens being configured for causing somelight passing into the lens through the light input surface to bediverted for reaching the lateral surface of the lens; a light sourcebeing located on a side of the circuit board, the lens being locatedwith the light input surface as being located in a position over thelight source, the light source including a light emitting diode (LED)and being configured for generating light being directed through thelight input surface into the lens; and a central silicone moduleincluding silicone and being disposed on the side of the circuit boardand being configured for holding the lens with the light input surfaceas being in the position over the light source, the central siliconemodule having a module surface facing toward the lateral surface of thelens, a first portion of the module surface spanning a first portion ofthe distance and being spaced apart away from the lateral surface forthe first portion of the distance to form a gap, and a second portion ofthe module surface spanning a second portion of the distance and beingreceived into contact with the lateral surface for the second portion ofthe distance. 2-25. (canceled)
 26. The lighting system of claim 1,wherein the lens is configured for causing some of the light reachingthe lateral surface to be further diverted into the body of the lens bytotal internal reflection.
 27. The lighting system of claim 1, whereinthe second portion of the module surface is located between the side ofthe circuit board and the first portion of the module surface.
 28. Thelighting system of claim 27, wherein the LED is mounted on the circuitboard, and wherein the lens includes a bottom surface surrounding thelight input surface and being in contact with the circuit board.
 29. Thelighting system of claim 1, further including a reflector located in thegap, the reflector having a reflective surface facing toward the lateralsurface of the lens, wherein the reflector is configured to reflect someof the light reaching the lateral surface into the body of the lens. 30.The lighting system of claim 1, further including a reflector located inthe gap, the reflector having another frusto-conical shape, thereflector being spaced apart around the central axis and spanning aportion of the distance between the light input and output surfaces ofthe lens, the reflector having a reflective surface facing toward thelateral surface of the lens, wherein the reflector is configured toreflect some of the light reaching the lateral surface into the body ofthe lens.
 31. The lighting system of claim 27, wherein the centralsilicone module includes a cup forming the module surface, and whereinthe second portion of the module surface of the cup is shaped forreceiving into contact, and for holding in the position over the lightsource, the lateral surface of the lens for the second portion of thedistance.
 32. The lighting system of claim 31, wherein the first portionof the module surface of the cup is shaped for forming the gap togetherwith the lateral surface of the lens for the first portion of thedistance.
 33. The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the gap is atleast partially filled with a visible-light-transmissive material. 34.The lighting system of claim 1, wherein the LED is a phosphor convertedLED, and wherein the lens is configured to receive the light emittedfrom the phosphor converted LED and to reduce an angular CCT deviationof the light received from the phosphor converted LED.
 35. A lightingsystem comprising: a circuit board; a lens assembly including a lenshaving a light output surface being spaced apart along a central axisfrom a light input surface, the lens further having a lateral surfacebeing spaced apart around the central axis and having a frusto-conicalbody spanning a distance between the light input and output surfaces ofthe lens, the lens also having an inner surface forming a frusto-conicalcavity extending from the light output surface along the central axisinto the body of the lens, the inner surface being for causing somelight passing into the lens through the light input surface to bediverted by total internal reflection at the inner surface for reachingthe lateral surface of the lens; a light source being located on a sideof the circuit board, the lens being located with the light inputsurface as being located in a position over the light source, the lightsource including a light emitting diode (LED) and being configured forgenerating light being directed through the light input surface into thelens; and a central silicone module including silicone and beingdisposed on the side of the circuit board and being configured forholding the lens with the light input surface as being in the positionover the light source, the central silicone module having a modulesurface facing toward the lateral surface of the lens, a first portionof the module surface spanning a first portion of the distance and beingspaced apart away from the lateral surface for the first portion of thedistance to form a gap, and a second portion of the module surfacespanning a second portion of the distance and being received intocontact with the lateral surface for the second portion of the distance.36. The lighting system of claim 35, wherein the lens is configured forcausing some of the light reaching the lateral surface to be furtherdiverted into the body of the lens by total internal reflection.
 37. Thelighting system of claim 35, wherein the second portion of the modulesurface is located between the side of the circuit board and the firstportion of the module surface.
 38. The lighting system of claim 37,wherein the LED is mounted on the circuit board, and wherein the lensincludes a bottom surface surrounding the light input surface and beingin contact with the circuit board.
 39. The lighting system of claim 35,further including a reflector located in the gap, the reflector having areflective surface facing toward the lateral surface of the lens,wherein the reflector is configured to reflect some of the lightreaching the lateral surface into the body of the lens.
 40. The lightingsystem of claim 35, further including a reflector located in the gap,the reflector having another frusto-conical shape, the reflector beingspaced apart around the central axis and spanning a portion of thedistance between the light input and output surfaces of the lens, thereflector having a reflective surface facing toward the lateral surfaceof the lens, wherein the reflector is configured to reflect some of thelight reaching the lateral surface into the body of the lens.
 41. Thelighting system of claim 37, wherein the central silicone moduleincludes a cup forming the module surface, and wherein the secondportion of the module surface of the cup is shaped for receiving intocontact, and for holding in the position over the light source, thelateral surface of the lens for the second portion of the distance. 42.The lighting system of claim 41, wherein the first portion of the modulesurface of the cup is shaped for forming the gap together with thelateral surface of the lens for the first portion of the distance. 43.The lighting system of claim 35, wherein the gap is at least partiallyfilled with a visible-light-transmissive material.
 44. The lightingsystem of claim 35, wherein the LED is a phosphor converted LED, andwherein the lens is configured to receive the light emitted from thephosphor converted LED and to reduce an angular CCT deviation of thelight received from the phosphor converted LED.